Tzaneen traffic officials to serve jail time for corruption

43-year-old Stanley Kgapane Makhurupetje and 34-year-old Motsatsi Portia Ramphelo were convicted for corruption and sentenced by the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, reports Letaba Herald.

Captain Matimba Maluleke said: “In December 2017, The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) conducted a sting operation in Tzaneen area that was aimed at addressing reports of corruption by traffic officers on the local roads.”

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Makhurpetje and Ramphelo, together with other 11 traffic officers stationed at Tzaneen and Bolobedu respectively, were arrested for allegedly receiving bribes ranging from R150 to R2,000 from motorists who reportedly contravened the Road Traffic Act.

Both accused were granted bail of R10,000 each during their trial.

According to Maluleke, Makhurupetje was sentenced to four years’ direct imprisonment with no option of a fine and suspended for two years.

Ramphelo was sentenced to two years’ direct imprisonment with no option of a fine.

The trial against the other accused is yet to be concluded.

“This should serve as a wake-up call to all law enforcers, that those who break the law will be dealt with without fear of favour,” Brigadier Thabo Ramela said.

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